New Executive Order Prohibits Utilities from Shutting Off Service Due to Nonpayment for At Least 60 Days

RALEIGH – With each passing day comes another realization about the impacts of forced coronavirus closures through out the state; unintended consequences that necessitate even more government action. To wit, Governor Roy Cooper has passed another executive order prohibiting utilities from shutting off gas, electric, or water due to nonpayment.

Under the order, those services cannot be shut off for the next 60 days as the economic fallout from the stay-at-home orders and business closures starts to rear its ugly head. Cooper is also encouraging cable and internet providers to give the same 60 allowance, but doesn’t seem to have the legal authority to direct their activities.

The governor has also activated additional National Guard personnel to assist with getting supplies to affected areas across the state. They’ll also serve to help determine engineering needs and solutions if the need for “alternative hospital facilities” were to emerge.